A 28-year-old man presents to the emergency department 3 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. He is alert ...

Question

A 28-year-old man presents to the emergency department 3 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. He is alert and haemodynamically stable. Serum acetaminophen level is above the treatment line on the Rumack-Matthew nomogram. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Start N-acetylcysteine as soon as possible.

Answer

Provide supportive care only because he is clinically well.

Answer

Induce vomiting with syrup of ipecac.

Answer

Wait 24 hours and recheck the acetaminophen level before deciding on treatment.

Answer

Discharge with psychiatric follow-up only.

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Acetaminophen overdose